Gov. Bill Lee announced that he will submit comprehensive pro-life legislation to the Tennessee General Assembly this year, including the prohibition of an abortion where a fetal heartbeat exists. This legislation would make Tennessee one of the most pro-life states in the country.

"I believe that every human life is precious, and we have a responsibility to protect it," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Today, Tennessee is taking a monumental step in celebrating, cherishing, and defending life at every stage. I'm grateful to be joined by so many leaders in our state who are boldly standing up for our most vulnerable."

This legislation would build upon successes in other states while incorporating innovative approaches to enhance existing law, including provisions such as:

• Prohibiting an abortion where a fetal heartbeat exists;

• Requiring a mother to undergo an ultrasound prior to an abortion;

• Prohibiting an abortion where the physician is aware that the decision to seek an abortion is motivated by the race, sex, or health or disability diagnosis of the unborn child.

To protect against legal challenges, the new law would also include a creative "ladder" provision, modeled after Missouri law, of sequential abortion prohibitions at two-week gestational age intervals, along with severability clauses for each step of the ladder.